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‘Still Alice’ and Alzheimer’s Research

Julianne Moore won an Oscar last night for her heartbreaking portrayal of a woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s in Still Alice. At Brain Matters, we hope the movie will raise awareness about Alzheimer’s research. In that spirit, here is an editorial by Alzheimer’s researcher Dr. Julie Harris, courtesy of the Huffington Post:     “While the …

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Study: Key Molecule Could Slow Alzheimer’s Development

Scientists at the University of Cambridge in the U.K. have found that a specific molecule could slow the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In their study, the Brichos molecule, which occurs in the body naturally, prevented the buildup of beta-amyloid plaque in mice.     Researchers believe that the early stages of Alzheimer’s begin when beta-amyloid …

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Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Everyone Should Know

Alzheimer’s disease affects over 5 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. The National Institute on Aging characterizes the illness as an “irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living.” Most people …

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Alzheimer’s Caregivers: Take Care of Yourself Too

Being an Alzheimer’s caregiver means taking on a lot of responsibilities. Sometimes you may be so preoccupied with caring for your loved one that you neglect your own health. Here are some tips to stay healthy as a caregiver:     Visit the doctor:   Visit the doctor at least once a year and report …

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Alzheimer’s Caregivers: Amy’s Story

Amy is a caregiver for her father, who has Alzheimer’s. Courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association, here is Amy’s story:     In 2002, my dad was in a bad car accident with his uncle and two others in Florida. He ended up having eight broken ribs, and a broken collar bone. Not too long after the accident, I noticed …

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Early-Onset Alzheimer’s: What You Need to Know

Julianne Moore’s portrayal in Still Alice of a woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s has already won a Golden Globe and been nominated for an Oscar. Many now hope that the film will raise awareness of this rarer form of Alzheimer’s. In that spirit, here is what you need to know:     Alzheimer’s comes in middle-age, …

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New Theory: Alzheimer’s Memory Loss Could be Reversible

A new theory on where memory is stored in the brain suggests that lost memories could possibly be restored. If true, it could radically change almost everything that scientists know about memory loss and even lead to a better treatment to Alzheimer’s disease.     The theory, proposed by Dr. David Glanzman of the University …

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Staying Mentally Active to Prevent Alzheimer’s

Can we reduce our risk of Alzheimer’s disease? Researchers believe so. Studies have found that keeping the brain active can help to protect it. A 2012 study found that engaging in brain-stimulating activities throughout life was associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Those who stayed mentally engaged from childhood to old age had …

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Improving Patient Care with Patient-Focused Apps

Researchers from the EU-funded MIRROR project have developed new apps that enable healthcare workers to provide more personalized care to dementia patients. The goal of the apps was for workers in residential homes to be more creative and effective in delivering person-centered care. One interesting feature of The Carer App, for example, is caregivers can …

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A Caregiver’s Story: Getting into a Dementia Patient’s Head

Carol Bradley Bursack was a caregiver to her father who had severe dementia. By traveling into his world and providing him with validation on what he thought was real to him, she was able to provide him with what he needed. Here is her story:     “Dad was adamant. He was waiting for his …

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